Chelsea fire Reece James injury hint ahead of Man City as Mauricio Pochettino timeline explained

Reece James continues to train on his own at Cobham as Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea side prepare to take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. The club captain hasn't played since December 10, when he was taken off after just half an hour against Everton.

James underwent surgery on a hamstring issue that has plagued his past few years in the aftermath of his latest setback and is now looking to get back to his very best. There are no suggestions that he is yet close to an imminent return to competitive action though as he remains in individual training as seen in photos published by the club.

The 24-year-old has been working outdoors at the club's Cobham training base regularly in the past month, football.london understands, and is often seen taking part in solo work. There had been initial hope that he would be able to play again in April, four months after his surgery, but that has been increasingly unlikely for a while.

Now, on Wednesday night James took to Instagram once more to update fans on his progress, writing, «I've been gone a while, but I'm doing well,» he posted on his story. «Really well. The journey has been long and tough, but nothing I couldn't handle. I'm in a good place. The comeback is on, more hungry than ever. Stay well in the meantime and see u soon.»

James is described as having 'continuted his rehabilitation programme' during training. He is seen running away from a coach with a fitness band tied around him, pulling him back.

Chelsea take on Pep Guardiola's FA Cup holders on Saturday at Wembley, the second game at Wembley for Pochettino this season after the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool in February. James also missed that game, though he was in attendance alongside other